Submitted photo Mike Wesley presents a check from the Shooters Committee on Political Education to Lt. Melanie Churakos.

Earlier this month at the Little Valley American Legion Post 531, the Cattaraugus County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. through their chairman, Mike Wesley, made a donation to the Cattaraugus County Santa Sheriff’s Program.

The check for $300 was presented to Lt. Melanie Churakos of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department who was invited to speak at the meeting that night.

Churakos explained the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Dept. works in partnership with the Division of Social Services and Cattaraugus County Community Action to identify families who are in need for the holidays. The Sheriff’s Santa Program provides these families with a Christmas meal and gifts.

Last year approximately 60 families benefited. S.C.O.P.E. (Shooters Committee on Political Education) is a statewide organization defending Second Amendment Rights with county based chapters. The local chapter raises funds through the sale of raffle tickets and donations.

Most of the profits from fund raising goes toward keeping the sportspersons of New York state informed of proposed legislation on the state and federal level which infringe on Second Amendment rights and encouraging firearms owners to vote.